Do you feel mentally awake but physically paralysed in your sleep? Do you feel you’re in control of your dreams at those times? Have you ever felt afraid but unable to call for help in your sleep? It is possible you are suffering from ‘sleep paralysis’. It’s known to occur at the onset of sleep or just before one wakes up.
This transition state between being awake and asleep is peculiarly characterised by a feeling of ‘deadened’ muscles. During sleep paralysis, the victim is partially or fully conscious but experiences an inability to move his or her body.
What is sleep paralysis?
Sleep paralysis may also be accompanied by a sense of suffocation, a feeling of pressure being applied on the chest or a slower heart-beat. It may be nearly impossible to move your body but moving your eyes is possible.
During sleep paralysis, hallucinations may occur resulting in terrifying visions and perceptions. That’s why it’s often associated with the presence of evil in the room.
An overpowering urge to sleep at odd times, termed as Narcolepsy, also accompanies sleep paralysis.
What causes it?
The exact cause of sleep paralysis is uncertain but several researchers and psychologists have concluded that sleep paralysis is generally an indication that one’s mind is not efficiently cycling through the various stages of sleep.
“Stress, anxiety, lack of healthy sleep patterns and sleep deprivation are commonly know to trigger sleep paralysis.
Sleeping in a supine position (face upwards) could increase chances of sleep paralysis,” said Dr Savithri who has been practicing psychiatry for 16 years.
As mentioned earlier, sleep paralysis may also occur due to other pre-existing conditions such as narcolepsy.
Moreover, certain sedatives and pain killers increase the chances of sleep paralysis.
Sleep paralysis is also associated with underlying psychological problems.
How do you cope with it?
If you are not a victim of severe sleep paralysis, there are certain steps that you could take to avoid this condition.
“Follow healthy sleep patterns to reduce instances of sleep paralysis. Lack of a healthy sleep pattern will build stress and eventually lead to other psychological problems as well,” added Dr Savithri.
Most researchers recommend sleeping in any position other than on your back. Pinning a sock filled with a ball to the back of your nightdress will ensure that you sleep sideways.
Moreover, if you are on regular medication, switching medications may eliminate the problem.
“Hyper tension and stress are one of the main causes of sleep paralysis. Relaxed breathing, a healthy diet and regular exercise will reduce stress and tension. Thereby, decreasing the chances of sleep paralysis,” said Dr N Prakash, a general physician at CSI Hospital.